Powys based creative writing project Time to Write, which mixes together those with and without experience of mental health issues for a course of creative writing, recently celebrated their achievements with an event at the Commodore Hotel in Llandrindod Wells.
The event included people involved with the project reading their own work.
Over the past year, the group has encouraged people in Powys to put pen to paper and explore their literary talents, and has created a place for people with and without mental health problems to come together, socialise and develop their creative skills.
This group now meets at the Commodore Hotel in Llandrindod Wells every first Thursday of the month and have even arranged for the work created to be put on display at Knighton library (7th – 13 February), Presteigne leisure centre (14th -20th February), Llandrindod Wells library (21st – 27th Feburary), Rhayader library (28thFebraury – 6th March) and finally in Builth Wells library on 28th March.
Organiser Philip Moisson hopes that the exhibitions will encourage other writers in the area to get involved. He said:
“We’re really proud of the work that’s been produced through Time to Write and pleased to have been able to give people in Powys a rare opportunity to try their hand at something a bit different.
It was also important for us to help break down the stigma and taboo that surround mental health problems and create a supportive environment, so that the group would be open to people with and without mental health problems and that everyone would feel welcome. If you would like to try creative writing or would like to come along, get in touch via timetowrite@live.co.uk.”
Fellow project organiser Nic Williams added:
"The whole experience of learning about creative writing has been a revelation. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything from finding the venues to writing a story. I can certainly recommend it as a way of realising inner difficulties."
The project is funded by Time to Change Wales, the first national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. The evening event for the local project includes a buffet, people reading their own work, information about the campaign from national Programme Manager Ant Metcalfe and details of the on-going writing group in Llandrindod Wells.
Time to Change Wales Programme Manager Ant Metcalfe said:
“It’s fantastic to see all that Time to Write have achieved in Powys and so important to have opportunities for people with and without mental health problems to work and socialise together. After all, one in four of us experience mental health problems and simple things like asking ‘how are you today?’ can make a big difference. Time to Write gives people opportunities to have conversations about mental health in a natural way and we’re proud to be supporting the project.”
You can find out more about Time to Write here.
To hear more about Time to Write, or for photos or interview requests, please contact us.